James Petticrew from Northern Ireland

‘In April 1969 the ambulance I was driving was
attacked by a rioting mob. I was struck in the head by a
brick. Although I was injured, I drove the ambulance to
safety but I nearly lost sight in one of my eyes.

‘By August, things got serious – shootings started and we
ran refugee centres for people burned out of their homes.

‘In 1971, I was awarded the British Empire Medal at Hillsborough
Castle for my service during those difficult years and a citation
from the Queen made reference to an incident where I
crawled on my hands and knees under gunfire to rescue
acolleague trapped in the back of an
ambulance.

‘As I look back today, I am immensely proud of our tradition and
heritage.’